Sunday, August 15, 2010

Rain

It was a busymorning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80'sarrived to havestitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in ahurry as he had anappointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vitalsigns and had him take a seat, knowing it would beover an hour before someonewould to able to see him. I saw himlooking at his watch and decided, since Iwas not busy with anotherpatient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it waswell healed, soI talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies toremove hissutures and redress his wound.

While taking care ofhis wound, I asked him if he had another doctor'sappointment thismorning, ashe was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go tothe nursing home to eatbreakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health.

He told me thatshehad been therefor a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As wetalked, I asked if she would be upset if he wasa bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who hewas, that she had not recognized him infive years now.

I wassurprised, and asked him, 'And you still go everymorning, eventhough she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as hepatted my hand and said,

'She doesn'tknow me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold backtears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, andthought,

'That isthe kind of love I want in my life.'

True love isneither physical, nor romantic.

True love is anacceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and willnot be.

With all the jokesand fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is onethat comes along that has animportant message.. This one I thought Icould share with you.

The happiest people don't necessarilyhave the best of everything; they just makethe best of everythingthey have.